Rolling Meadows Meconium Aspiration Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers for Oxygen Deprivation Birth Injuries in Cook County

When an infant inhales meconium just before or during birth, he or she could develop a condition called meconium aspiration syndrome, or MAS. Most babies who develop MAS receive appropriate treatment and make a full recovery. When the condition or risk factors for the condition are not recognized and addressed quickly, however, the child may be at risk for long-term injuries and permanent disabilities.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined legal experience. We understand that meconium aspiration can occur during any delivery, and it is not always the result of negligence or malpractice. Our team also believes, however, that when negligence causes a birth injury like MAS, the negligent doctor or facility must be held accountable.

How Does Meconium Aspiration Happen?

It is not uncommon for an infant to pass fecal material called meconium immediately prior to or during birth. When the meconium is passed into the amniotic fluid, the baby may inhale the mixture as he or she begins breathing. This presents two main problems. First, the presence of the fluid and meconium in the child's airway could block breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation. The other issue is that the meconium itself can cause the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. An infant who is suffering from MAS may have symptoms such as:

• Difficult or labored breathing;
• Limpness and lack of movement; and
• Blue skin color caused by a lack of oxygen.

If the child is treated for meconium aspiration syndrome immediately, long-term complications are unlikely. If the warning signs are ignored, however, the attending medical staff may be guilty of negligence.

Risk Factors for Meconium Aspiration

Meconium aspiration cases are closely linked to difficult births and fetal distress. It is thought that babies in distress are more likely to expel meconium, thus increasing the risk of aspiration. Therefore, it is crucial for doctors and medical staff to monitor the labor and delivery to detect indications of fetal distress as soon as possible. Common risk factors for a difficult delivery and fetal distress include large baby size, diabetes in the mother, and maternal high blood pressure.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we know that a quick response is important in treating MAS. If left untreated, meconium aspiration could lead to:

• Aspiration pneumonia;
• Damage to the brain caused by oxygen deprivation;
• Difficulties breathing;
• Collapsed lung; and
• High blood pressure in the baby.

Lake County Birth Injury Lawyers

It can be difficult to prove that your baby's meconium aspiration was caused by negligent action or inaction by a medical professional, but doing so is a vital part of collecting compensation. Attorney Gary A. Newland and his team are prepared to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your child's birth and subsequent problems. We will review medical files, clinical notes from prenatal care, and other records that could help show that negligence was a factor. Our attorneys also work closely with a vast network of experts including obstetrics doctors and child development specialists whose input is often important in building a case for compensation.

Call 847-797-8000 for a Free Phone Consultation

For more information about birth injuries caused by meconium aspiration, contact our office. Call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free phone consultation and case evaluation at one of our five locations. Our firm serves clients in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, DuPage County, Lake County, Cook County, and the rest of Northern Illinois.